Portable terminal with hinge device including two axes of rotation

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable terminal including a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a hand-held phone (HHP), a camera phone, a game phone, an Internet phone, and the like. In particular, the invention relates to a portable terminal with a dual axis hinge device.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Typically, the term "portable terminal" means an electronic appliance which enables a user, who carries the portable terminal, to have cordless communication with a counterpart. To increase portability, such portable terminals are being miniaturized, slimmed, narrowed and lightened, and are also tending toward multi-media which can seek various functions. Therefore, it is expected that portable terminals will continue to be miniaturized and made light-weight. The devices will be used multifunctionally and multipurposely, and will be modified to be adaptive for various multimedia and Internet circumstances. In addition, such portable terminals are electronic appliances, which are popularly used by male and female, old and young all over the world and considered as necessities which should be always carried.

[0003] Popularized conventional portable terminals are classified into various types depending on external appearance. For example, portable terminals are classified into bar type, flip type and folder type. In addition, portable terminals may be classified into neck wearable type or wrist wearable type depending on the wearing position or method of use. Furthermore, portable terminals may be classified into rotation type or sliding type depending on the opening and closing method. The above mentioned various classification of portable terminals can be readily understood by one having a common knowledge in the art.

[0004] In addition, the construction of portable terminals is being improved to be capable of implementing high speed data communication, beyond voice communication. That is, as the desires of consumers increase, high speed data transmission services will be provided which use cordless communication technologies.

[0005] At present, conventional portable terminals tend to employ a camera lens to photograph and send a photographed image signal. Popularized portable terminals have an external or internal camera lens module, whereby it becomes possible to perform image communication with a counterpart or to photograph an object.

[0006] US 2004127266 (A1) discloses a self configuring multiple element portable electronic device and method. The device comprises at least a first electronic element and a second electronic element and a joint connecting the first electronic element and the second electronic element, with the joint allowing movement in more than one plane of the first electronic element in relation to the second electronic element, wherein the self configuring multiple element portable electronic device is capable of self configuring an operational mode based on a relative position of the first electronic element with respect to the second electronic element.

[0007] However, because the external appearance of the conventional portable terminals have been developed on the basis of a shape which is suitable for performing a communication function such as voice communication, message sending or the like, they have a disadvantage in using a multimedia service or the like. For example, because a typical display device for a conventional portable terminal is sized to be larger in the longitudinal direction thereof, it is inconvenient to view a moving image file.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art. One object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal with a dual axis hinge device.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal with a dual axis hinge device, which provides two hinge axes so that a housing of the portable terminal can be opened or closed in two directions, thereby enhancing the convenience of a user.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, a portable terminal is provided according to claim 1.

[0011] These and other salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which in conjunction with the annexed drawings disclose various embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dual axis hinge device of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the dual axis hinge device as assembled with a portable terminal;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first connection shaft of the hinge device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second connection shaft of the hinge device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cooperative relationship between the first and second connection shafts of the hinge device shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the cooperative relationship where the second connection shaft is rotated about 150 degrees about a second hinge axis from the position shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the position of the second hinge base rotated about 150 degrees about a first hinge axis from the position shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a portable terminal with the hinge device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the portable terminal of FIG. 8 where a second housing is rotated about the first hinge axis and fully opened;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the portable terminal of FIG. 8 where the second housing is rotated about 150 degrees about the second hinge axis; and

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the portable terminal of FIG. 8 where the second housing is rotated about the second axis and fully opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein are omitted when unnecessary to clarify the subject matter of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dual axis hinge device 100 for a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention include a first hinge base 101 fixed to a hinge arm 215 of the terminal, a second hinge base 102 which is connected to the first hinge base 101 and is rotatable about a first hinge axis A1. The hinge device also includes a second connection shaft 143 connected to the second hinge base 102 and rotatable about a second hinge axis A2. A first connection shaft 103 connects the second hinge base 102 to the first hinge base 102. The hinge device interconnects a pair of housings 201, 202 of the portable terminals and provides the first and second hinge axes A1 and A2. At this time, when one housing of the terminal is rotated about first or second hinge axis and opened, the hinge device limits the rotation of the one housing about the other hinge axis. As discussed hereinafter, housings 201, 202 pivot about axis A1 from a closed position shown in FIG. 8 to a first open position shown in FIG. 9 and pivot about axis A2 to a second open position shown in FIG. 11. The axis of rotation of the hinge device determines the orientation of the housings 201, 202 with respect to each other.

[0015] The first hinge base 101 is fixed on the first housing 201 of the portable terminal 200 (see FIG. 2). In order to fix the first hinge base 101, a cylindrical hinge arm 215, which is extended in the direction of the first hinge axis A1 is formed in the first housing 201. The first hinge base 101 is received and fixed in the hinge arm 215. The first hinge base 101 is fixed within the hinge arm 215 by a screw or other fastening system as can be easily embodied by one skilled in the art. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0016] The first hinge base 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a slit. A support 111 extends in the direction of the first hinge axis A1, and is formed on an inner end wall of the first hinge base 101. The support 111 fixedly supports the first connection shaft 103 and one of hinge members 161 and 162 which are received in the second hinge base 102. The support 111 is generally formed in a cylindrical shape, the tip end of which is formed in an angled fixing member 113. The fixing member 113 is formed to fix the hinge member 161 connected to the support 111, so that the hinge member cannot be rotated on the first hinge member 101. The first connection shaft 103 is connected through the support 111, and one of the hinge members 161 and 162 are fitted on the support 111.

[0017] The second hinge base 102 extends in the direction of the first hinge axis A1 and is connected to the first hinge base 101, so that the second hinge base 102 is rotatable about the first hinge axis A1. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second hinge base 102 is rotatably connected to the first hinge base 101 through the first connection shaft 103.

[0018] The pair of the hinge members 161 and 162 and spring member 163 are received within the second hinge base 102. The hinge members 161 and 162 and the spring member 163 generate a driving force acting in the rotational direction or in the anti-rotational direction depending on the rotating angle of the second hinge base 102.

[0019] The first hinge member 161 is fitted on the support 111 of the first hinge base 101, and a groove (not shown) corresponding in shape to the fixing member 113 are formed in the first hinge member 161. Accordingly, the first hinge member 161 is received in the second hinge base 102 where the first hinge member 161 is fixed to the first hinge base 101. The first hinge member 161 is rotatably received within the second hinge base 102.

[0020] The second hinge member 162 is received within the second hinge base 102 in such a way that the second hinge member 162 is linearly movable opposite to the first hinge member 161. The second hinge member 162 is supported by an end of the spring member 163 and is spring biased in the direction in which the second hinge member 162 comes into close contact with the first hinge member 161.

[0021] At this time, the first connection shaft 103 sequentially passes through the spring member 163, the second hinge member 162, and the first hinge member while passing through the second hinge base 102, and then the first connection shaft 103 is fixed to the first hinge base 101. Therefore, the spring member 163 is assembled on the peripheral surface of the first connection shaft 103. Specifically, spring member 163 is on a cylindrical part 133 of the shaft and as described later is wound around the cylindrical part 133. The second hinge member 162 is assembled to be linearly movable within the second hinge base 102 and linearly movable and rotatable on the first connection shaft 103. Because the first hinge member 161 and the first connection shaft are both fixed to the first hinge member 101, the first hinge member 161 and the first connection shaft 103 are retained in a stationary position with respect to one another.

[0022] The first and second hinge members 161 and 162 are arranged in such a way that a peak part and a valley part formed in one hinge member are opposite to a valley part and a peak part formed in the other hinge member, respectively. The peak part of the first hinge member 161 tends to be retained in the valley part of the second hinge member by the elastic force exerted by the spring member 163. Therefore, if the second hinge base 102 rotates, the second hinge member 162 also rotates in relation to the first hinge member 161, and the peak part of the first hinge member 161 escapes from the valley part of the second hinge member 162. At this time, the biasing force of the spring member 163 is converted into the driving force for rotating the second hinge member 162 with respect to the first hinge member. That is, the second hinge member 162 is rotated in the direction for causing the peak and valley parts of the first and second hinge members 161 and 162 to be engaged with each other. Consequently, the driving force produced by the spring member 163 and the hinge members 161 and 162 acts as the driving force for rotating the second hinge member 102.

[0023] If the second hinge member 162 is additionally rotated, and thus the peak part thereof passes the top of the peak part of the first hinge member 161, the biasing force of the spring member 163 is converted into driving force acting in the direction of rotating the second hinge member 162 and the second hinge base 102.

[0024] These actions between the spring member and the hinge members can be more easily understood from U.S. Patent No. 6,292,980, which was filed in the name of the present applicant filed and issued on September 25, 2001.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, the first connection shaft 103 comprises a support part 131 for rotatably supporting the second hinge base 102, a cylindrical part 133 extended from the support 131 in the direction of the first hinge axis A1 through the second hinge base 102, and a fastening part formed at the end of the cylindrical part 133 and fixed to the first hinge base 101. The second hinge base 102 is formed with a support hole 121 for rotatably receiving the support part 131. The support part 131 has a diameter larger than the cylindrical part 133, and a support ridge (not shown) for supporting a stepped part between the support part 131 and the cylindrical part 133 is formed in the support hole 121.

[0026] The fastening part 135 passes through the support 111 and projects outward from the end of the first hinge base 101, and a fastening pin 129 as shown in FIG. 1 is fitted into the projecting part of the fastening part 135, whereby the connection shaft 103 is fixed to the first hinge base 101. The first connection shaft 103 is fixed so that it cannot rotate in relation to the first hinge base 101, and the second hinge base 102 is rotated about the first hinge axis A1 while being supported by the first connection shaft 103.

[0027] The support part 131 of the first connection shaft 103 is formed with a first escaping groove 137 and a guide groove 139 as shown in FIG. 3. The first escaping groove 137 and the guide groove 139on the first connection shaft 103 are provided so as to configure a cooperative arrangement between the first connection shaft 103 and the second connection shaft 104 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The cooperative arrangement between the first and second connection shafts 103 and 104 will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0028] The first escaping groove 137 is formed as a curved shape or recess by cutting a part of the support part 131 of the first connection shaft 103. When the first connection shaft 103 and the second connection shaft 104 are joined with the second hinge base 102, the first escaping groove 137 wraps the peripheral surface of the second connection shaft 104. The second connection shaft 104 can be rotated about the second hinge axis A2 only when its peripheral surface is partially wrapped by the first escaping groove 137.

[0029] The guide groove 139 is formed on the curved surface of the first escaping groove 137 and extends in the circumferential direction of the first escaping groove 137. The second connection shaft 104 is formed with a projection 149 (see FIG. 4), which is selectively engaged with the guide groove 139 when the second connection shaft 104 rotates about the second hinge shaft A2.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4 again, the second connection shaft 104 comprises a rotating part 141 rotatably received within the second hinge base 102 as shown in FIG. 1, a shaft part 143 extending in the second hinge axis A2 from the rotating part 141, and a fastening part 145 provided at the end of the shaft part 143. The second hinge base 102 is formed with a connection hole 123, which extends in the second hinge axis A2 to receive the rotating part 141.

[0031] The peripheral surface of the rotating part 141 is formed with a second escaping groove 147, which is formed by cutting a part of the peripheral surface in a curved shape, and a guide projection 149, projects outward from the peripheral surface of the rotating part 141 adjacent to the second escaping groove 147. If the second connection shaft 104 is assembled to the second hinge base 102, the second escaping groove 147 wraps a part of the peripheral surface of the support part 131 of the shaft 103. In addition, when the second connection shaft 104 is rotated, the guide projection 149 slides in the guide groove 139.

[0032] Meanwhile, the peripheral surface of the rotating part of the second connection shaft 104 is formed with a stop groove 142, and the second hinge base 102 is formed with a stop ball 151, which is engaged with the stop groove 142. When the second connection shaft 104 is rotated by a predetermined angle about the second hinge axis A2, the stop groove 142 and the stop ball 151 are engaged with each other, thereby temporarily stopping the rotation and keeping the second connection shaft 104 in the stopped state.

[0033] The second hinge base 102 is provided with a coil spring 153 for spring biasing the stop ball 151, and a support plate 155 for supporting the coil spring 153 is fixed to the second hinge base 102 by screws 157. Upon being spring biased by the coil spring 153, the stop ball 151 compresses the peripheral surface of the rotating part 141. Therefore, if the stop ball 151 is positioned opposite to the stop groove 142, the stop ball 151 engages the stop groove 142.

[0034] Two or more stop grooves 142 may be formed, which are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface of the rotating part 141, and the rotation of the second connection shaft 104 is temporarily stopped at the position where the stop ball 151 is engaged with any of the stop grooves 142.

[0035] The fastening part 145 is provided to mount a second housing 202 of the terminal 200 shown in FIG. 8. In order to secure structural stability when mounting the second housing 202, a fastening piece 105 is provided on the fastening part 145 by a screw 150. As the second housing 202 is mounted on the second connection shaft 104 through the fastening piece 105, the second housing 202 is rotatable about the second hinge axis A2. In addition, as the second hinge base 102 rotates about the first hinge axis A1, the second housing 202 is rotatable about the first hinge axis A1.

[0036] The cooperative arrangement between the first connection shaft 103 and the second connection shaft 104 is described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the second hinge axis A2 extends in the direction perpendicular to the first hinge axis A1 from a position spaced from the first hinge axis A1.

[0037] If the first and second connection shafts 103 and 104 are assembled to the second hinge base 102, the support part 131 and the rotating part 141 partially interfere with each other. At this time, due to the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147, the second connection shaft 104 is capable of swiveling around the first hinge axis A1 or rotating about the second hinge axis A2.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 are engaged with each other. In the position shown in FIG. 5, there is no interference between the first and second connection shafts 103 and 104, so that the second connection shaft 104 is capable of swiveling around the first hinge axis A1 or rotating about the second hinge axis A2. That is, when the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 engage each other, the second hinge base 102 is rotatable about the first hinge axis A1, or the second connection shaft 104 is rotatable about the second hinge axis A2.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows the second connection shaft 104 rotated about the second hinge axis A2 from the position shown in FIG. 5. If the second connection shaft 104 rotates about the second hinge axis A2, the guide projection 149 engages the guide groove 139, and a part of the peripheral surface of the rotating part 141 is wrapped by the first escaping groove 137.

[0040] When the first escaping groove 137 wraps the peripheral surface of the rotating part 141, the rotation of the second hinge base 102 is limited. If the second hinge base 102 rotates about the first hinge axis A1, the second connection shaft 104 also swivels around the first hinge axis A1. However, if the first escaping groove 137 wraps the peripheral surface of the rotating part, the support part 131 and the rotating part 141 interfere with each other, whereby the swivel movement of the second connection shaft 104 around the first hinge axis A1 is limited and the rotation of the second hinge base 102 about the first hinge axis A1 is also limited. In addition, because the guide projection 149 engages the guide groove 139, the rotation of the second hinge base 10 is further limited.

[0041] If the stop groove 142 engages the stop ball 151 while the second connection shaft 104 is rotating about the second hinge axis A2, the rotation of the second connection shaft 104 is stopped. If the second connection shaft 104 is rotated by an external force exceeding the biasing force of the coil spring 153, the stop ball 151 is released from the stop groove 142 and the second connection shaft 104 is rotated.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a state in which the second hinge base 102 rotate about the first hinge axis A1 and the second connection shaft 104 swivels around the first hinge axis A1 from the position shown in FIG. 5. If the hinge base 102 rotates about the hinge axis A1 from the position in which the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 engage each other, the second connection shaft 102 swivels around the first hinge axis A1, and the second escaping groove 147 is moved in the circumferential direction of the support part 131 in the state of wrapping the peripheral surface of the support part 131.

[0043] If the second hinge base 102 rotates about the first hinge axis A1 and the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 are dislodged from the state of being engaged with each other, the rotation of the second connection shaft 104 about the second hinge axis A2 is limited. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the support part 131 and the rotating part 141 interfere with each other when the second escaping groove 147 wraps the peripheral surface of the support part 131, so that the rotation of the second connection shaft 104 about the second hinge axis A2 is limited.

[0044] Consequently, the rotation of the second hinge base 102 about the first hinge axis A1 and the rotation of the second connection shaft 104 about the second hinge axis A2 cannot occur simultaneously. In addition, if the second hinge base 102 rotates about the first hinge axis A1 or the second connection shaft 104 rotates about the second hinge axis A2 from the position in which the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 are engaged with each other, the rotation of one of the second hinge base 102 and the second connection shaft 104 is limited.

[0045] Meanwhile, when the second housing 202 rotates about one of the first and second hinge axes A1 and A2, the rotation of the second housing 202 about the other hinge axis can be limited merely by the arrangement of the guide groove 139 and the guide projection 149. For example, if the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 are not formed but the first and second hinge axes A1 and A2 are spaced from each other to such an extent that the support part 131 and the rotating part 141 do not interfere with each other, the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 are not required and the above-mentioned rotation can be limited merely by the arrangement of the guide groove 139 and the guide projection 149.

[0046] Now, the configuration of the first and second connection shafts 103 and 104 are described.

[0047] If the support part 131 and the rotating part 141 do not interfere with each other, they are arranged in such a way that the guide projection 149 interferes with the peripheral surface of the support part 131 when the second connection shaft 104 has been rotated about the first hinge axis A1. If the second guide projection 149 interferes with the peripheral surface of the support part 131, the rotation of the second connection shaft 104 about the second hinge axis A2 is limited.

[0048] The second connection shaft 104 is arranged in such a way that it can rotate about the second hinge axis A2 only in the position where the guide projection 149 can be introduced into the guide groove 139. Therefore, if the second connection shaft 104 rotates about the second hinge axis A2, the guide projection 149 is positioned within the guide groove 139, whereby the rotation of the second connection shaft 104 about the first hinge axis A1 is limited.

[0049] The configuration for limiting the swivel or rotation of the second connection shaft 104 even if the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 are not formed as described above can be easily accomplished by one skilled in the art by partially modifying the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Now, a portable terminal with the above-mentioned hinge device 100 is described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0051] As described above, the portable terminal 200 comprises first and second housings 201 and 202, wherein the second housing 202 is connected to the first housing 201 through the hinge device 100, so that the second housing 202 is opened or closed above the first housing 201 while being rotated about the first and second hinge axes A1 and A2.

[0052] The front face of the first housing 201 is provided with a key pad 211 and a transmitter part 213, and a hinge arm 215 is provided at the top edge of the first housing 201. In addition, the second housing 202 is mounted on a part of the second connection shaft 104 and the fastening piece 105. One surface of the second housing 202 is provided with a display device 221 and a receiver part 223.

[0053] At this time, even if the hinge device 100 interconnects the first and second housings 201 and 202, the second hinge base 102 is partially exposed. Referring to FIG. 2, a hinge cover 203 and a cover member 231 are mounted over the exposed part of the hinge device 100, thereby protecting the exposed part.

[0054] If the second housing 202 is folded over the first housing 201, the first and second escaping grooves 137 and 147 are engaged with each other. Therefore, the second hinge base 102 is rotatable about the first hinge axis A1 or the second connection shaft 104 is rotatable about the second hinge axis A2.

[0055] If the second housing 202 rotates about the first hinge axis A1 as shown in FIG. 9, the second hinge base rotates about the first hinge axis A1 and the second connection shaft 104 swivels around the first hinge axis A1, whereby the second escaping groove 147 moves in the direction of wrapping the peripheral surface of the support part of the first connection shaft 103. Accordingly, the rotation of the second connection shaft 104 about the second hinge axis A2 is limited. Likewise, if the second housing 202 rotates about the first hinge axis A1, the rotation about the second axis A2 is limited.

[0056] If the second housing 202 is rotated about the first hinge axis A1 and extended, the second housing 202 is positioned above the top side of the first housing 201, whereby the distance between the transmitter part 213 and the receiver part are maximized to be suitable for voice communication.

[0057] FIGS. 10 and 11 show the state in which the second housing 202 is rotated about the second hinge axis A2 from the state of being folded on the first housing 201. More specifically, FIG. 10 shows the second housing 202 in the state in which the second housing 202 has been rotated and stopped so that the second housing 202 is unfolded about 150 to 170 degrees from the first housing 201. FIG. 11 shows the second housing 202 rotated and stopped, so that the second housing 202 is unfolded about 180 degrees.

[0058] When the second housing 202 is folded onto the first housing 201, the stop groove 142 and the stop ball 151 are engaged with each other. By the stop groove 142 and the stop ball 151 being engaged with each other, the second housing 202 is stably maintained in the position of being folded on the first housing 201.

[0059] Even if the second housing 202 is unfolded about 150 to 170 degrees from the first housing 201, another stop groove (not shown) formed on the second connection shaft 104 and the stop ball 151 are engaged with each other, whereby the second housing 202 is stably maintained in the state in which the rotation of the second housing 202 is stopped. If plural stopper grooves 142 are formed, it will be possible to set the angle selectively to stop the rotation of the second housing 202 when the second housing is unfolded about 150 to 170 degrees from the first housing 201.

[0060] When the second housing 202 is extended 180 degrees from the first housing 201 as shown in FIG. 11, the other face of the second housing 202 and the front face of the first housing 201 interfere with each other, thereby limiting the rotation of the second housing 202.

[0061] If the second housing is rotated about the second hinge axis A2 as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, the second housing is located at a lateral side of the first housing 201. At this time, the user positions the terminal 200 crosswise, so that a multimedia file or the like can be viewed through the display device 221. In addition, if the key pad 211 provided on the first housing 201 has a QWERTY key arrangement like a key board arrangement of a personal computer, it is possible to conveniently input various information.

[0062] Meanwhile, when the second housing 202 rotates about the second hinge axis A2, the second connection shaft 104 also rotates about the second hinge shaft A2, whereby the rotating part 141 is moved to a position where the peripheral surface of the rotating part 141 is wrapped by the first escaping groove 137. In addition, the guide projection 149 is also moved to a position where the guide projection 149 is engaged with the guide groove 139. Therefore, the second connection shaft 104 and the second hinge base 102 cannot rotate about the first hinge axis A1. Consequently, the second housing 202 rotates about the second hinge axis A2, the rotation about the first hinge axis A1 is limited.

[0063] As described above, a portable terminal with the inventive dual axis hinge device has a pair of hinge axes which are extended perpendicular to each other, so that one housing can be positioned at the top side or lateral side of the other housing, whereby it is convenient to use the portable terminal. In addition, when one housing is positioned at the top side or lateral side of the other housing, the rotation of the one housing is limited in any direction, except in the directions of folding the one housing onto the other housing or rotating the one housing away from the other housing, whereby the structural stability and reliability of the terminal can be secured.

[0064] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof rather than by the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A portable terminal (200) comprising:

a first housing (201);

a second housing (202) rotatably connected to the first housing to be capable of being moved between two open and one closed position with respect to the first housing; and

a hinge device (100) interconnecting the first and second housings, the hinge device providing first and second hinge axes (A1, A2) extending perpendicular to each other;

characterised by:

the hinge device comprising a first connection shaft (103) extending in the direction of the first hinge axis and formed with a guide groove (139) on the peripheral surface and a second connection shaft (104) extending in the direction of the second hinge axis and formed with a guide projection (149) on the peripheral surface,

wherein when the second housing is rotated about the first hinge axis in relation to the first housing to a first open position, the guide projection interferes with the peripheral surface at the one end of the first connection shaft, whereby rotation of the second housing is limited about the second hinge axis, and

wherein when the second housing is rotated about the second hinge axis to a second open position, the guide projection is engaged with the guide groove, whereby the rotation of the second housing is limited about the first hinge axis.

2. A portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the hinge device (100) comprises:

a first hinge base (101) fixed to the first housing;

a second hinge base (102) extending in a direction of the first hinge axis and connected to the first hinge base so that the second hinge base is rotatable about the first hinge axis; and

a second connection shaft connected to the second hinge base so that the second connection shaft is rotatable about the second hinge axis, and

wherein the second housing is fixed to the second connection shaft, so that as the second hinge base rotates, the second housing is rotated about the first hinge axis to the first open position, and as the second connection shaft rotates, the second housing is rotated about the second hinge axis to the second open position.

3. A portable terminal of claim 2, wherein the second hinge axis (A2) extends perpendicular to the first hinge axis (A1) and is spaced from the first hinge axis.

4. A portable terminal of claim 2, further comprising a first connection shaft (103) rotatably connected through the second hinge base (102) and fixed to the first hinge base (101).

5. A portable terminal of claim 4, wherein the first connection shaft (103) comprises:

a support part (131) rotatably supported by the second hinge base;

a rod-shaped cylindrical part (133) extending from the support part through the second hinge base; and

a fastening part (135) fixed to the first hinge base.

6. A portable terminal of claim 5, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises a first escaping groove (137) in a curved shape formed by cutting a part of the peripheral surface of the support part (131).

7. A portable terminal of claim 6, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises a guide groove (139) in a slit form along a circumferential direction of the first escaping groove (137).

8. A portable terminal of claim 2, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises:

a first hinge member (161) fixed to the first hinge base and rotatably received in the second hinge base;

a second hinge member (162) received in the second hinge base and being linearly movable and opposite to the first hinge member; and

a spring member (163) received in the second hinge base, wherein the spring member provides biasing force acting in the direction in which the second hinge member comes into close contact with the first hinge member.

9. A portable terminal of claim 8, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises a first connection shaft (103) rotatably connected through the second hinge base in the direction of the first hinge axis and fixed to the first hinge base, the first connection shaft sequentially passing through the spring member, the second hinge member, and the first hinge member.

10. A portable terminal of claim 2, wherein a connection hole (123) extends in the direction of the second hinge axis, is formed at one end of the second hinge base, and the second connection shaft (104) is rotatably fitted in the connection hole.

11. A portable terminal of claim 10, wherein the second connection shaft (104) comprises:

a rotating part (141) which rotates within the connection hole (123);

a shaft part (143) extending in the direction of the second hinge axis from the rotating part; and

a fastening part (145) provided at an end of the shaft part.

12. A portable terminal of claim 11, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises a fastening piece (105) fixed to an end of the fastening part (145).

13. A portable terminal of claim 11, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises a second escaping groove (147) in a curved shape formed by cutting a part of the peripheral surface of the rotating part (141).

14. A portable terminal of claim 11, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises a guide projection (149) projecting from the peripheral surface of the rotating part (141).

15. A portable terminal of claim 11, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises:

at least one stop groove (142) formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating part (141);

a stop ball (151) received in the second hinge base (102); and

a coil spring (153) for elastically biasing the stop ball, wherein the stop ball is selectively engaged with the stop groove when the stop groove rotated on the hinge base.

16. A portable terminal of claim 2, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises: a first connection shaft (103) rotatably connected through the second hinge base along the direction of the first hinge axis and fixed to the first hinge base, wherein one end of the first connection shaft is positioned adjacent to one end of the second connection shaft (104).

17. A portable terminal of claim 16, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises: a support part (131) formed at one end of the first connection shaft (103) and supported by one end of the second hinge base; and
a rotating part (141) formed at one end of the second connection shaft (104) and rotatably fitted in the second hinge base, wherein the support part and the rotating body are positioned adjacent each other.

18. A portable terminal of claim 17, wherein the hinge device (100) further comprises:

a first escaping grove (137) in a curved shape formed by cutting a part of the peripheral surface of the support part (131); and

a second escaping groove (147) in a curved shape formed by cutting a part of the peripheral surface of the rotating part (141), wherein the first escaping groove is arranged to selectively wrap a part of the peripheral surface of the rotating part and the second escaping groove is arranged to selectively wrap a part of the peripheral surface of the support part.

19. A portable terminal of claim 18, wherein when the first escaping groove (137) is positioned to wrap the peripheral surface of the rotating part (141), the second connection shaft (104) is rotatable, and when the second escaping groove (147) is positioned to wrap the peripheral surface of the support part (131), the second hinge base (102) is rotatable.

20. A portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the guide groove is formed at one end of the first connection shaft, and the guide projection is formed at one end of the second connection shaft.

Ansprüche

1. Tragbares Endgerät (200) aufweisend:

ein erstes Gehäuse (201);

ein zweites Gehäuse (202), das mit dem ersten Gehäuse rotierbar verbunden ist, um in der Lage zu sein sich zwischen zwei offenen und einer geschlossenen Position mit Bezug auf das erste Gehäuse zu bewegen; und

eine Scharniervorrichtung (100), die das erste und zweite Gehäuse miteinander verbindet, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung eine erste und eine zweite Scharnierachse (A1, A2), die sich senkrecht zueinander erstrecken, bereitstellt;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:

die Scharniervorrichtung, die eine erste Verbindungswelle (103), die sich in der Richtung der ersten Scharnierachse erstreckt und die ausgebildet ist mit einer Führungsnut (139) auf der äußeren Oberfläche aufweist, und eine zweite Verbindungswelle (104), die sich in der Richtung der zweiten Scharnierachse erstreckt und ausgebildet ist mit einem Führungsvorsprung (149) auf der äußeren Oberfläche, aufweist,

wobei, wenn das zweite Gehäuse um die erste Scharnierachse in Bezug auf das erste Gehäuse zu einer ersten offenen Position gedreht wird, der Führungsvorsprung an der äußeren Oberfläche an dem einen Ende der ersten Verbindungswelle eingreift,

wodurch eine Drehung des zweiten Gehäuses um die zweite Scharnierachse begrenzt wird, und

wobei, wenn das zweite Gehäuse um die zweite Scharnierachse zu einer zweiten offenen Position gedreht wird, der Führungsvorsprung mit der Führungsnut in Verbindung steht,

wodurch die Drehung des zweiten Gehäuses um die erste Scharnierachse begrenzt wird.

2. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) aufweist:

eine erste Scharnierbasis (101), die an dem ersten Gehäuse befestigt ist;

eine zweite Scharnierbasis (102), die sich in eine Richtung der ersten Scharnierachse erstreckt und mit der ersten Scharnierbasis verbunden ist, so dass die zweite Scharnierbasis um die erste Scharnierachse drehbar ist; und

eine zweite Verbindungswelle, die mit der zweiten Scharnierachse verbunden ist, so dass die zweite Verbindungswelle um die zweite Scharnierachse drehbar ist, und

wobei das zweite Gehäuse an der zweiten Verbindungswelle befestigt ist, so dass, wenn sich die zweite Scharnierbasis dreht,

das zweite Gehäuse um die erste Scharnierachse zu der ersten offenen Position gedreht wird, und wenn sich die zweite Verbindungswelle dreht, das zweite Verbindungsgehäuse um die zweite Scharnierachse zu der zweiten offenen Position gedreht wird.

3. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 2, wobei die zweite Scharnierachse (A2) sich senkrecht zu der ersten Scharnierachse (A1) erstreckt und von der ersten Scharnierachse beabstandet ist.

4. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 2, weiterhin aufweisend eine erste Verbindungswelle (103), die durch die zweite Scharnierbasis (102) drehbar verbunden ist und an der ersten Scharnierbasis (101) befestigt ist.

5. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 4, wobei die erste Verbindungswelle (103) aufweist:

ein Stützteil (131), das durch die zweite Scharnierbasis drehbar gestützt wird;

ein stangenförmiges zylindrisches Teil (133), das sich von dem Stützteil durch die zweite Scharnierbasis erstreckt; und

ein Befestigungsteil (135), das an der ersten Scharnierbasis befestigt ist.

6. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin eine erste Fluchtnut (137) in einer gebogenen Form, die durch Schneiden eines Teils der äußeren Oberfläche des Stützteils (131) gebildet ist, aufweist.

7. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin eine Führungsnut (139) in einer Schlitzform entlang einer Umfangsrichtung der ersten Fluchtnut (137) aufweist.

8. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin aufweist:

ein erstes Scharnierbauteil (161), das an der ersten Scharnierbasis befestigt ist und drehbar in der zweiten Scharnierbasis aufgenommen wird;

ein zweites Scharnierbauteil (162), das in der zweiten Scharnierbasis aufgenommen wird und linear beweglich und gegenüber dem ersten Scharnierbauteil angeordnet ist; und

ein Federbauteil (163), das in der zweiten Scharnierbasis aufgenommen wird, wobei das Federbauteil eine Vorspannungskraft bereitstellt, die in der Richtung agiert, in welcher das zweite Scharnierbauteil in engem Kontakt mit dem ersten Scharnierbauteil kommt.

9. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Scharniergehäuse (100) weiterhin eine erste Verbindungswelle (103) aufweist, die durch die zweite Scharnierbasis in der Richtung der ersten Scharnierachse drehbar verbunden und an der ersten Scharnierbasis befestigt ist, wobei die erste Verbindungswelle nacheinander durch das Federbauteil, das zweite Scharnierbauteil und das erste Scharnierbauteil verläuft.

10. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 2, wobei ein Verbindungsloch (123), das sich in der Richtung der zweiten Scharnierachse erstreckt, an einem Ende der zweiten Scharnierbasis ausgebildet ist, und die zweite Verbindungswelle (104) drehbar in das Verbindungsloch eingepasst wird.

11. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 10, wobei die zweite Verbindungswelle (104) aufweist:

ein Drehteil (141), welches sich innerhalb des Verbindungslochs (123) dreht;

ein Wellenteil (143), das sich in der Richtung der zweiten Drehachse von dem Drehteil erstreckt; und

ein Befestigungsteil (145), das an einem Ende des Wellenteils bereitgestellt ist.

12. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin ein Befestigungsteil (105) aufweist, das an einem Ende des Befestigungsteils (145) befestigt ist.

13. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin eine zweite Fluchtnut (147) in einer gebogenen Form, die durch Schneiden eines Teils der äußeren Oberfläche des Drehteils (141) ausgebildet ist, aufweist.

14. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin einen Führungsvorsprung (149) aufweist, der von der peripheren Oberfläche des Drehteils (141) vorsteht.

15. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin aufweist:

mindestens eine Stoppnut (142), die auf der Oberfläche des Drehteils (141) ausgebildet ist;

eine Stoppkugel (151), die in der zweiten Scharnierbasis (102) aufgenommen wird; und

eine Spiralfeder (153) zum elastischen Vorspannen der Stoppkugel, wobei die Stoppkugel wahlweise mit der Stoppnut in Verbindung steht, wenn die Stoppnut sich auf dem Scharniergehäuse dreht.

16. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin aufweist: eine erste Verbindungswelle (103), die drehbar durch die zweite Scharnierbasis entlang der Richtung der ersten Scharnierachse befestigt ist und an der ersten Scharnierbasis befestigt ist, wobei ein Ende der ersten Verbindungswelle angrenzend an ein Ende der zweiten Verbindungswelle (104) positioniert ist.

17. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 16, wobei die
Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin aufweist: ein Stützteil (131), das an einem Ende der ersten Verbindungswelle (103) ausgebildet ist und durch ein Ende der zweiten Scharnierbasis gestützt wird; und
ein Drehteil (141), das an einem Ende der zweiten Verbindungswelle (104) ausgebildet und drehbar in der zweiten Scharnierbasis eingepasst ist, wobei das Stützteil und der sich drehende Körper aneinander angrenzend positioniert sind.

18. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 17, wobei die Scharniervorrichtung (100) weiterhin aufweist:

eine erste Fluchtnut (137) in einer gebogenen Form, die durch Schneiden eines Teils der äußeren Oberfläche des Stützteils (131) ausgebildet ist; und

eine zweite Fluchtnut (147) in einer gebogenen Form, die durch Schneiden eines Teils der äußeren Oberfläche des Drehteils (141) ausgebildet ist, wobei die erste Fluchtnut angeordnet ist, um wahlweise ein Teil der äußeren Oberfläche des Drehteils zu umhüllen, und die zweite Fluchtnut angeordnet ist, um wahlweise ein Teil der äußeren Oberfläche des Stützteils zu umhüllen.

19. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 18, wobei, wenn die erste Fluchtnut (137) positioniert ist, um die äußere Oberfläche des Drehteils (141) zu umhüllen, die zweite Verbindungswelle (104) drehbar wird, und, wenn die zweite Fluchtnut (147) positioniert ist, um die äußere Oberfläche des Stützteils (131) zu umhüllen, die zweite Scharnierbasis (102) drehbar wird.

20. Tragbares Endgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Führungsnut an einem Ende der ersten Verbindungswelle ausgebildet ist, und der Führungsvorsprung an einem Ende der zweiten Verbindungswelle ausgebildet ist.

Revendications

1. Un terminal portable (200) comprenant :

un premier boîtier (201) ;

un second boîtier (202) relié à rotation au premier boîtier pour être en mesure d'être déplacé entre deux positions ouvertes et une fermée par rapport au premier boîtier ; et

un dispositif de charnière (100) interconnectant le premier et le second boîtier, le dispositif de charnière formant un premier et un second axes de charnière (A1, A2) s'étendant perpendiculairement l'un à l'autre ;

caractérisé par le fait que :

le dispositif de charnière comprend un premier arbre de liaison (103) s'étendant dans la direction du premier axe de charnière et formé avec une gorge de guidage (139) sur la surface périphérique et un second arbre de liaison (104) s'étendant dans la direction du second axe de charnière et formé avec une saillie de guidage (149) sur la surface périphérique,

dans lequel lorsque le second boîtier est tourné autour du premier axe de charnière par rapport au premier boîtier vers une première position ouverte, la saillie de guidage interfère avec la surface périphérique à une première extrémité de l'arbre de liaison, de sorte que la rotation du second boîtier soit limitée autour du second axe de charnière, et

dans lequel lorsque le second boîtier est tourné autour du second axe de charnière vers une seconde position ouverte, la saillie de guidage est engagée avec la gorge de guidage, de sorte que la rotation du second boîtier soit limitée autour du premier axe de charnière.

2. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend :

une première base de charnière (101) fixée au premier boîtier ;

une seconde base de charnière (102) s'étendant dans une direction du premier axe de charnière et reliée à la première base de charnière de sorte que la seconde base de charnière puisse tourner autour du premier axe de charnière ; et

un second arbre de liaison relié à la seconde base de charnière de sorte que le second arbre de liaison puisse tourner autour du second axe de charnière, et

dans lequel le second boîtier est fixe par rapport au second arbre de liaison, de sorte que lorsque la seconde base de charnière tourne, le second boîtier tourne autour du premier axe de charnière vers la première position ouverte, et lorsque le second arbre de liaison tourne, le second boîtier tourne autour du second axe de charnière vers la seconde position ouverte.

3. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le second axe de charnière (A2) s'étend perpendiculairement au premier axe de charnière (A1) et est espacé du premier axe de charnière.

4. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre un premier arbre de liaison (103) relié à rotation par l'intermédiaire de la seconde base de charnière (102) et fixé à la première base de charnière (101).

5. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le premier arbre de liaison (103) comprend :

une partie de support (131) supportée à rotation par la seconde base de charnière ;

une partie cylindrique en forme de tige (133) s'étendant à partir de la partie de support au travers de la seconde base de charnière ; et

une partie de fixation (135) fixée à la première base de charnière.

6. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre une première gorge d'échappement (137) de forme courbe formée par découpe d'une partie de la surface périphérique de la partie support (131).

7. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre une gorge de guidage (139) en forme de fente le long d'une direction circonférentielle de la première gorge d'échappement (137).

8. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre :

un premier organe de charnière (161) fixé à la première base de charnière et reçu à rotation dans la seconde base de charnière ;

un second organe de charnière (162) reçu dans la seconde base de charnière et qui est mobile linéairement et opposé au premier organe de charnière ; et

un organe ressort (163) reçu dans la seconde base de charnière, l'organe ressort assurant une force de sollicitation agissant dans la direction dans laquelle le second organe de charnière vient en contact étroit avec le premier organe de charnière.

9. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre un premier arbre de liaison (103) relié à rotation par l'intermédiaire de la seconde base de charnière dans la direction du premier axe de charnière et fixé à la première base de charnière, le premier arbre de liaison passant séquentiellement au travers de l'organe élastique, du second organe de charnière et du premier organe de charnière.

10. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 2, dans lequel un orifice de liaison (123) s'étend dans la direction du second axe de charnière, est formé à l'une des extrémités de la seconde base de charnière, et le second arbre de liaison (104) est ajusté à rotation dans l'orifice de liaison.

11. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le second arbre de liaison (104) comprend :

une partie rotative (141) qui tourne à l'intérieur de l'orifice de liaison (123) ;

une partie d'arbre (143) s'étendant dans la direction du second axe de charnière à partir de la partie rotative ; et

une partie de fixation (145) prévue à une extrémité de la partie d'arbre.

12. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre une pièce de fixation (105) fixée à une extrémité de la partie de fixation (145).

13. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière comprend en outre une seconde gorge d'échappement (147) en une forme courbée formée par découpe d'une partie de la surface périphérique de la partie tournante (141).

14. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre une saillie de guidage (149) faisant saillie de la surface périphérique de la partie rotative (141).

15. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière comprend en outre :

au moins une gorge de butée (142) formée sur la surface périphérique de la pièce rotative (141) ;

une bille d'arrêt (151) reçue dans la seconde base de charnière (102) ; et

un ressort hélicoïdal (153) pour solliciter élastiquement la bille d'arrêt, où la bille d'arrêt est sélectivement mise en prise avec la gorge d'arrêt lorsque la gorge d'arrêt tourne sur la base de charnière.

16. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre :

un premier arbre de liaison (103) relié à rotation par l'intermédiaire de la seconde base de charnière le long de la direction du premier axe de charnière et fixé à la première base de charnière, une extrémité du premier arbre de liaison étant positionnée adjacente à une extrémité du second arbre de liaison.

17. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 16, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre :

une partie de support (131) formée à une extrémité du premier arbre de liaison (103) et supportée par une extrémité de la seconde base de charnière ; et

une partie rotative (141) formée à une extrémité du second arbre de liaison (104) et ajustée montée à rotation dans la seconde base de charnière, où la partie de support et le corps rotatif sont positionnés adjacents l'un avec l'autre.

18. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 17, dans lequel le dispositif de charnière (100) comprend en outre :

une première gorge d'échappement (137) de forme courbe formée par découpe d'une partie de la surface périphérique de la partie de support (131) ; et

une seconde gorge d'échappement (147) de forme courbe formée par découpe d'une partie de la surface périphérique de la partie rotative (141), la première gorge d'échappement étant configurée pour s'enrouler sélectivement autour d'une partie de la surface périphérique de la partie rotative et la seconde gorge d'échappement étant configurée pour s'enrouler sélectivement autour d'une partie de la surface périphérique de la partie de support.

19. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 18, dans lequel lorsque la première gorge d'échappement (137) est positionnée pour enrouler la surface périphérique de la partie tournante (141), le second arbre de liaison (104) peut tourner, et lorsque la seconde gorge d'échappement (147) est positionnée pour s'enrouler autour de la surface périphérique de la partie de support (131), la seconde base de charnière (102) peut tourner.

20. Un terminal portable selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la gorge de guidage est formée à une extrémité du premier arbre de liaison, et la saillie de guidage est formée à une extrémité du second arbre de liaison.

Drawing